This article explains the purpose and functionality of the Artist Watchlist used by FUGA and our Digital Service Provider (DSP) partners. You will learn how this safety check functions during the Quality Control (QC) process and what steps are required to ensure these releases are delivered successfully. By understanding this internal mechanism, you can ensure your content remains compliant with global distribution standards and prevent delivery delays.
What is the Artist Watchlist?
The Artist Watchlist is FUGA's internal database of high-profile and legacy artists. The list is regularly updated and acts as a necessary safety check to ensure that all deliveries are fully compliant with Digital Service Provider (DSP) policies.
This database is curated by FUGA to protect the integrity of artist profiles across all platforms. By flagging content associated with these artists for manual review, we can effectively prevent unauthorized uploads, leaks, and fraudulent activity before they reach the stores.
The Review Process
When a release features an artist on the Watchlist, it triggers a manual intervention. This can occur at two stages:
FUGA Quality Control (Pre-Delivery)
If a release is rejected during the Quality Control (QC) process due to a watchlisted artist, our team will reach out to you to confirm whether all rights are in place for that particular release. In some instances, we may also request additional documentation before we can proceed with the delivery.
DSP Security Holds (Post-Delivery)
Independent of FUGA’s internal checks, certain Digital Service Providers (DSPs) maintain their own security protocols for high-profile artists. These platforms may hold deliveries in a pending state until FUGA provides confirmation that distribution rights have been verified.
Special Case: Cover Songs and User-Generated Content (UGC) Platforms
If a release is flagged for User-Generated Content (UGC) platforms and the watchlisted artist is credited solely as a composer or lyricist, this usually suggests that the track is a cover song.
In this specific scenario:
- Rights Confirmation: We do not require additional confirmation of distribution rights for the artist.
- Mechanical Licensing: We do ask that you confirm whether a mechanical license is in place for the covered track.
- Audio Integrity: To pass Quality Control (QC), the audio must be distinctively different from the original song to ensure it is a genuine cover and not a re-upload of protected material.
Timelines and Expectations
Because Watchlist flags require manual verification from both FUGA and Digital Service Provider (DSP) security teams, there is no fixed timeline for resolution.
To avoid delays to your release schedule, we strongly recommend allowing significant lead time for any content featuring artists on the Watchlist. This ensures the manual validation process can be completed before your intended go-live date.
If you have questions regarding a specific flag or the status of a release involving a watchlisted artist, please contact your FUGA representative or reach out via our support channel.